British Toy & Hobby Association and Play England Encourage Play

Under its consumer brand, Lion Mark, the BTHA ran two advertisements on a number of children�s channels during the summer months that raised awareness about the increasingly structured days of children, who have less time to simply have fun.

The ads stressed that it�s up to parents to increase the time they spend playing with their children, and to allot more play time for their kids.

Viewers were encouraged to visit "Make Time to Play," a website that describes in greater detail the benefits of play and gives parents ideas of what to do to keep their children entertained. The site also promotes Playday, the UK�s national day of play, which takes place annually, and was celebrated this year on August 4th.